Special Stain, Toluidine Blue
Also known as: TOL BLU SS
Use
Special Stain, Toluidine Blue is a histochemical staining procedure performed by the laboratory on submitted formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue blocks or cellblock slides. It facilitates microscopic identification and assessment of tissue structures, and is provided as a technical “stain and return” service, meaning stained slides are returned to the submitting laboratory or pathologist rather than interpreted by ARUP.
Special Instructions
Anatomic Pathology Test Request Form (ARUP form #32960) is recommended for submission. Refer to ARUP listing of histochemical stains for ordering guidance. Use a tissue transport kit (ARUP supply #47808) for shipping blocks or slides. Protect specimens from excessive heat and ship in cooled container during summer months. Submit by electronic request or with ARUP form #32960 if e‑ordering unavailable.
Limitations
Only appropriate for representative tissue; submissions containing nonrepresentative tissue or depleted specimens are unacceptable. Slides must be unstained, 3–5 micron thick, positively charged, or a paraffin block; insufficient tissue invalidates the stain. Frozen specimens are unacceptable, and overstained, damaged, or depleted blocks or slides may compromise results.
New York Approved
Methodology
Other
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 6678-7
Result Turnaround Time
1-5 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Tissue (FFPE)
Volume
Not provided
Minimum Volume
Not provided
Collection Instructions
Formalin fix (10 percent neutral buffered formalin is preferred) and paraffin embed specimen (cells must be prepared into a cellblock). Transport tissue block or 2 unstained (3‑ to 5‑micron thick sections), positively charged slides in a tissue transport kit (ARUP supply #47808).
Storage Instructions
Protect paraffin block and/or slides from excessive heat.
Causes for Rejection
Nonrepresentative tissue type; depleted specimens.
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | Indefinitely |
| Refrigerated | Indefinitely |
| Frozen | Unacceptable |